When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah…The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!

Luke 11:29,32

God Loves Children Born of IVF

Because God loves ALL the children, right? Well, that’s what Jesus kept telling us. But some are invoking Christian faith in judgment of the procedure. I was critical of this judgement on Sunday in my message. I asked this question near the start of my sermon: “Have you looked in the eyes of a child born of IVF?”

Many Pilgrims raised their hands. I wish you could have seen the smiles on their faces. Because they have been witnesses to the amazing results of this procedure. I have members of my own family born of IVF, and no one is going to tell me they are not welcome on this Earth. No one is going to tell me parents facing pregnancy challenges of any sort shouldn’t be allowed this procedure. Especially not because of “Christian principles.”

What is a Christian “Ethic of Life?”

Depends on the Christian. You can have Christians who believe that all life is sacred, from conception right through to birth. But after that, you’re on your own. There are Christians who believe that all life is sacred, from conception right through to death of natural causes in old age. They stand against the death penalty as well, because they are consistent in their conviction that all life really is sacred.

But if you get confused by what you’re hearing from Christians about their “ethic of life,” it’s often because they’re trying to have it both ways. For instance, they believe in protecting even unborn embryos, but also support the death penalty.

In my opinion, Alabama Justices Should Have Kept Religion Out of State Matters

The instant you invoke your faith as a reason why something should be a certain way, get ready for someone else, with the same faith, to disagree. If you want to read what the justice said, it’s here. As someone who’s seen the amazing outcomes from IVF, I stand with those families who chose it. Because of my faith.

Because Jesus told us to love all children, and their faith would be our inspiration.

It’s important to let families know where we Christians stand on certain things, because if we don’t, they may start to think that justices in Alabama are the ones who speak for us.

I love our vision statement at Pilgrim Church. Growing Faith. Strengthening Families. Loving All. And for me, that includes families and children that are here because of IVF. If we intend to keep growing our church, we had better be about the business of letting folks know that they’re welcome here, no matter who they are or where they are on life’s journey.